Made from strips of fabrics sewn end to end, the frayed edges of sari ribbon are raw and unrefined. It’s got this summery feel and the unkempt texture echoes the wildness of crashing waves, swirling seaweed, and salty sea air.

Both bags are pretty simple to knit. The cast-on becomes the bottom of the bag, and the two shape options are created by either increasing or decreasing.

The Increase version (shown in green below) uses aquarium tubing for stability around the top opening and in the straps. I expected this to be a bit fiddly—like one of those projects that takes waaaay too long to be fun. However, I finished the opening and made the straps in about 2 and half hours—and that was making it up as I went along, taking photos, etc. So don’t let the strange materials intimidate you. It’s easier than you’d think and makes sturdy straps and non-floppy bag.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Decrease version (shown in blue/cream):
Width: at widest point, 14.5 inches/37 cm
Height: not including strap, 14 inches/35.5 cm
Strap: customizable, sample is 28 inches/71 cm

Increase version (shown in green):
Width: at top opening, 20 inches/51 cm
Height: not including strap, 15.5 inches/39.5 cm
Strap: customizable, sample is 57 inches/145 cm

MATERIALS
Yarn
Decrease version (shown in blue/cream above):
frabjous fibers “Sari Ribbon” mostly silk; approximately 25yd/22.75m per 50g skein;
spacer MC Sky; 5 skeins
spacer CC Sand; 4 skeins
spacer Carry-along: frabjous fibers “Nettle” 100% nettle; approximately 250yd/228.5m per 100g skein;

Increase version (shown in green):
frabjous fibers “Sari Ribbon” mostly silk; approximately 25yd/22.75m per 50g skein;
spacer MC Olive; 8 skeins
spacer MC Sand; 2-3 skeins, depending on the length of strap desired
spacer Carry-along: stash yarn in similar color. Sample used
 “Mary Ann” 85% superwash merino, 15% nylon; 475yd/434.5m per 113g skein;

Note: Longer straps and other changes may require more yarn than indicated.

Flower, if desired (shown on Increase version):
spacer frabjous fibers “Sari Ribbon” mostly silk; approximately 25yd/22.75m per 50g skein; Orchid; 1 skein
spacer frabjous fibers “Sari Ribbon” mostly silk; approximately 25yd/22.75m per 50g skein; Salmon; 1 skein

Yarn Characteristics
Sari Ribbon is created by sewing strips of silk fabrics end to end. The result is a ribbon yarn that is widely textured and varies in width. This is not a perfect yarn—it’s a quirky, wild thing. I find that the strips themselves are quite strong, but the seams aren’t always. For that reason, I recommend using a carry-along yarn for added stability. For the Decrease Version, I used a handspun nettle, and for the IncreaseVersion, I used stash yarn in the same color.

Keep in mind that the yardage varies from skein to skein. I built in a bit of a cushion in the yarn requirements.

I used scraps from a previous project for the flowers. Fabric strips with frayed edges would be a good option, or maybe something completely the opposite, like a vintage jeweled broach.

Recommended needle size
always use a needle size that gives you the gauge listed below - every knitter’s gauge is unique
spacer US #13/9mm circular needle, 16-inch/40cm and 24-inch/60cm
spacer 1 US J-10 (6mm) crochet hook (or size close to this)
Notions
spacer 5 stitch markers, one unique for start of round
spacer tapestry needle
spacer yarn holder or scrap yarn (for Decrease Version only)
spacer sewing needle and thread (optional, for flowers)
spacer large button; the sample button is about 1.25 inches/3 cm (optional, for Decrease Version);
spacer a few inches of duct tape
spacer approximately 14 feet/4.25 meters of 3/16 inch aquarium airline tubing, (2 packages)